New Delhi, Oct 10 (NationPress) External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar engaged in discussions with Afghanistan's Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi in New Delhi on Friday, focusing on India's essential role in supporting Afghanistan's development, enhancing bilateral trade, ensuring territorial integrity and independence, and fostering people-to-people connections. They also addressed various other significant issues.

EAM Jaishankar remarked that Muttaqi's visit to India signifies a crucial advancement in strengthening bilateral relationships. He announced the transfer of five ambulances to Afghanistan as part of a larger commitment.

Post-discussion, Jaishankar tweeted, "Today, I was honored to meet FM Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi from Afghanistan in New Delhi. This visit is a pivotal step towards enhancing our ties and reaffirming the longstanding friendship between India and Afghanistan. We discussed India's ongoing support for Afghanistan's development, our bilateral trade, territorial integrity, independence, and capacity-building initiatives. I am pleased to announce that India will upgrade its Technical Mission in Kabul to the status of the Embassy of India."

He further stated, "We have handed over five ambulances to FM Muttaqi, part of a significant donation of 20 ambulances along with other medical supplies, reflecting our enduring commitment to the Afghan people," in another tweet.

During his introductory comments with Muttaqi in New Delhi, Jaishankar reiterated India's dedication to Afghanistan's sovereignty, territorial integrity, and independence, announcing the elevation of India's Technical Mission in Kabul to an Embassy. He recalled their previous discussions after the April 22 Pahalgam attack and the earthquakes in Kunar and Nangarhar.

Jaishankar emphasized, "India is unwavering in its commitment to the sovereignty, territorial integrity, and independence of Afghanistan. Our closer cooperation significantly contributes to your national development and enhances regional stability and resilience. Therefore, I am pleased to announce the upgrade of India’s Technical Mission in Kabul to the Embassy of India today."

He highlighted India's extensive support for Afghanistan over the years, stating, "India has consistently provided assistance for Afghanistan's health security, notably during the Covid pandemic. We are now prepared to commit to six new projects, the details of which will be revealed after our discussions conclude. The donation of 20 ambulances is another goodwill gesture, and I wish to personally present five of them to you as a symbolic act."

"India will also supply MRI and CT scan machines to Afghan hospitals and deliver vaccines for immunization and cancer treatment. We have provided drug rehabilitation supplies through UNODC and are open to expanding our support. As a first responder, Indian relief was dispatched to earthquake sites within hours of the recent disaster. We are eager to aid in reconstructing homes in affected areas. Furthermore, India has played a significant role in providing food assistance to the Afghan people, with another shipment due to arrive in Kabul today," he added.

Jaishankar expressed his concern regarding the forced repatriation of Afghan refugees, stating, "The situation of forcibly repatriated Afghan refugees is deeply troubling. Their dignity and livelihoods are paramount. India is committed to assisting in building residences for them and will continue to provide material support to help them rebuild their lives."

He reiterated that both India and Afghanistan share a common interest in enhancing trade and commerce and expressed satisfaction over the initiation of additional flights between Kabul and New Delhi. He announced India's intention to broaden opportunities for Afghan students to study at Indian universities.

Muttaqi emphasized that Kabul has always valued its relationship with India and assured that Afghanistan will not permit its territory to be used against any other nation.

“Throughout the American occupation, we faced numerous challenges; however, we never issued statements against India and always regarded our relationship with India as valuable. We will not allow any forces to threaten or utilize our territory against others. This presents a regional challenge, and Afghanistan is at the forefront of this battle. Our region's necessity is to combat this issue collectively, which will lead to mutual prosperity for both nations,” Muttaqi stated during his meeting with EAM Jaishankar.

Praising India as “the first responder,” the Afghan Foreign Minister expressed his gratitude for the humanitarian aid provided by India during the earthquake.

"In the recent earthquake in Afghanistan, India was the first to respond. Afghanistan considers India a close ally. We seek relations founded on mutual respect, trade, and strong people-to-people connections," he expressed.

Expressing appreciation for India's hospitality, the Afghan Foreign Minister stated, "India is a historic and significant nation in this region. Our civilizational and people-to-people connections have flourished for centuries, transcending geographical boundaries to encompass cultural, business, and other ties that unite our nations."

Muttaqi further noted that Afghanistan is prepared to establish a framework for understanding between the two countries to enhance their relationship.